FOOD TOUR OF ITALY?

[Critter]

Hello, Chowhounders.

I'm planning to take my first trip to Italy, and I would like to plan it around the country's amazing cuisine. Does anyone know of a tour that would expose me to wonderful dining experiences? I'm not interested in learning how to cook.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

David

[cicciona]

Try www.contexttravel.com. They mostly do art tours, but also offer food tours in Florence, Rome, and Naples. I've heard good things.

[glbtrtr]

Santa Barbara City College has a "semester abroad" in Italy this summer (not really a semester long) led by the head of the Culinary Arts Program on the food and wine of Italy. Should be fantastic and a novel way to take a vacation. Check out their website for more information. You can do it for 2 or 4 weeks:

http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/con...

[glbtrtr]

The city Lecce in Apulia is trying to become a new culinary center - it is a great and off the beaten track city to visit and the food in this area is fresh and flavorful. Good area to get to know along with Naples - one of my favorite food cities and so much cheaper than most places in Europe. A grand, grand city. Check out the websites for Lecce and look for their culinary offerings.

[Campania]

Try www.alyciastours.com...Wine and Food tours of southern Italy...will go up north if requested...

[markabauman]

Check out: www.rustico.com

[coombe]

This reply may be a bit late, but when are you planning to go? If you get a chance to go to Parma you could contact [e-mail] for a day of learning all about Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham and Balsamic Vinegar.

You can also try contact www.europemadeeasy.com - I think they might do something close to what you are looking for.